Living history: Discover Elbe shipping in Derben!

Living history: Discover Elbe shipping in Derben!

Next Sunday, October 5th, the Schifferscheune in Derben will open its doors between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a fascinating exhibition that will shed light on the development of life in an Elbe boatmen's village from 1880 to the early years of the GDR. The “Elbaue” Derben/Neuderben local history association and the adjacent local history parlor invite you to experience the history of this region up close. In the former “Fürst Bismarck” inn from 1890, visitors can expect exciting insights into everyday life in Derben, which is closely linked to shipping on the Elbe.

What can you expect? The exhibition provides a deep insight into the rooms such as the children's room, bedroom, living room and kitchen, all of which are furnished true to the original. The objects shown, including models, found objects, image documents and even historical sailors' knots such as bowlines and schotstek, are evidence of a time long past. A special highlight is a working old telephone system that will amaze visitors. Admission is free, and this is the last opportunity to visit the exhibition before the winter break - it will be closed from November 1st to March 31st, 2026.

A place with history

Derben itself is rich in history and tradition. The boatmen's barn and the local lounge reflect the development of Elbe shipping, which has been an essential part of life here for some time. In the Heimatstube you can even see a “typical” apartment from the GDR era. In total, local researchers have identified over 800 names of Derben residents who traveled on the Elbe in earlier times, which underlines the importance of this region.

Shipping on the Elbe is not only a historical review, but also an example of technical developments that led from simple rafts and steamers to modern inland waterway vessels. The diverse landscape along the Elbe, ranging from floodplains to container terminals in the port of Hamburg, tells a lot about the role of the waterway in trade and transport.

In-depth insights and experiences

For anyone who would like to find out more about shipping on the Elbe, there is the Elbe Shipping Museum in Lauenburg/Elbe in the area. This offers interactive exhibitions and informative films on various aspects of shipping. The experiences of the people who are connected to this living space over generations are also central. In the museum's historic vaulted cellar is the "Treasury of Ship Propulsion", which shows historical machines and is an exciting addition to the exhibition in Derben. The address is Elbstraße 59, 21481 Lauenburg/Elbe, for those interested in diving deeper into the subject.

So if you haven't planned anything for this weekend, you should definitely make a note of a visit to the Schifferscheune in Derben. It is an excellent opportunity to discover the diverse history and cultural heritage of the Elbe while gaining a deep insight into the life of a shipping village. Special tours are possible by appointment by calling 03934/951106 - the home of Elbe shipping is waiting for your visit!